The prices of oil have gone down steadily since 2009 but companies of all sizes are still continually looking for ways to cut down energy costs further. This is evident in the 6% growth of the global energy consultant market according to a Source Information Services report. The report reveals that there is an increase in the number of clients around the world needing energy efficiency and cost-cutting services.
The most recent data shows that the North American market is keeping the overall picture bullish, reaching a 10% growth due to high demand in the utilities and energy companies sectors. In the EU, smart meters are also giving consultants a boost. There's now a mandate that by 2020, 80% of customers should have a smart meter for their electricity. Italy has already implemented this while the UK government is pushing all households to have the device on or before the deadline.
But in spite of its popularity among homeowners, businesses stand to gain the most from the services of a global energy consultant. If you own a business, an energy consultant can do the following:
- Conduct an analysis of your company's energy consumption
Energy consultants offer a wide array of services that are geared to help you cut down your electricity consumption. They will first analyze your electric bills and see the range of energy your company consumes (cost history) They will also check if you have existing contracts with energy suppliers and find a better deal for you in the market. They will discuss these options with you and once you have come to an agreement, they can talk to energy suppliers on your behalf.
- Obtain bids from different energy providers
Your energy consultant will also get bids from different suppliers and see to it that all charges are included in their proposed energy price. Once everyone's bid has been obtained, your consultant will then prepare a report that will indicate the potential savings you can get. They will also discuss with you if there are any existing savings opportunity to be had.
- Monitor the energy market
The prices of energy change constantly. So the price you see today will either go up or down tomorrow. If you're not yet ready to make a decision, your energy consultant can keep an eye on the market and check if there's a dip so that you can buy power at a very good rate. In addition, they also have access to information and tools that can give you a more accurate projection of market pricing trends.
Finding the right global energy professional for your company will enable you to focus on the core of your business and still be able to lower your operating costs. Energy consultants have both breadth and depth of knowledge to help improve your business and solve problems related to your energy use. While it is true that their services come at a premium, think of it as an investment that will help you save money in the long run.
